Though outdated, it is a mark of false prestige; a vulgar show of skill.
Monal’s crest is thought to bring status to its wearer and is a symbol of authority; it’s worn to decorate caps. The Himalayan Monal is threatened due to poaching for the valuable crest.
- The iconic pheasant is adorned in the most vivid shades. Crested head in metallic green, glistening coppery feathers, the orange tail make the plumage spectacular in rainbow colours. A prominent white patch is said to be visible when the bird is in flight.
The female is more subdued in colour.
In India, it has been recorded throughout the Indian Himalayan Region from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
It is listed on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. In Himachal Pradesh, the poaching of this exotic bird has been banned since 1982, even before the total ban on hunting.
- In 2007, at the 3rd State Wildlife Board meeting, “Jujurana” meaning the “King of Birds”, the Western Tragopan replaced the Monal as the State Bird of Himachal Pradesh.
Also known as Western Horned Tragopan is considered among the rarest of all living pheasants. The pheasant is classified as vulnerable; its population is meagre throughout its range. The world population of the bird is estimated to be fewer than 5000 individuals.
The Himalayan Monal, however, remains the state bird of Uttarakhand, India; and the national bird of Nepal (Danphe in local dialects).
- Chased by humans since, at least, the Stone Age; hunting is going out to find and kill animals or birds, for food, sport, or profit. Quite common, today, is ‘Trophy’ hunting; ? ‘Game’ – ‘ Big game’ hunting ·
Hunting can have negative consequences, as far as making the species of birds and animals extinct.
Anti-hunting laws have been enacted in some countries. India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 aims to preserve and conserve wildlife and their habitats. Hunting, capturing, or killing wild animals is illegal, except in specific cases authorized by the government.
Under the Act, the Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a total ban on hunting wild animals since 1984.
By obeying these regulations and keenly supporting wildlife conservation efforts, we can help preserve India’s natural flora and fauna for the present and future generations.
- World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated on July 28th to raise awareness of the importance of nature conservation. The aim is to carefully manage and preserve the natural resources and the environment.
Habitats are always changing naturally and by human influence. While ecosystems can balance themselves, human actions leave obstructive and irreversible effects on the environment.
Nature conservation is the way of life and a just movement aligned towards defending species from extinction, and sustaining and reinstating habitats.
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https://hillpost.in/2024/06/philately-king-of-hobbies/124403/
Prof. (Er.) Chander P Mahajan is an art critic & a free lance journalist. The Environmentalist stays in Shimla and Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India.
